Vehicles at risk recalls
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Remedial action is called for under the voluntary code of practice whereby manufacturers' recall vehicles are reported to the Department of Transport
• Over 42,000 goods vehicles and 1,300 light commercials are covered by safety recalls listed in the latest recall bulletin issued by the Department of Transport's Vehicle Inspectorate. Details on the most important recalls, and the remedial action called for under the voluntary code of practice are listed below.
Light commercials
Model: Peugeot Talbot Express tri-axle. Build dates: May-Oct '87.
Defects: Brake servo unit, possible articulation of extension of master cylinder push rod. Servo pump incorrectly specified.
Remedy: Replace brake servo unit and servo pump.
Number of vehicles involved: 28.
Model: Fiat Ducat° (petrol only).
Build dates: July '84-April '87.
Defects: Bulkhead brake pipe securing clip may allow the steel pipe to chafe on engine valve cover.
Remedy: Inspect pipe and fit more effective clip. (NB Ducato models also included in a joint car/LCV recall by Fiat following concern of possible hardening and crumbling of tread rubber on Kleber tyres — 3,128 vehicles recalled).
Number of vehicles: 3,000.
Model: Volkswagen Caravelle/Transport Syncro.
Build dates: June'84-Nov '86. Defects: Production irregularities may cause leaks to develop in the tank sender and filler neck areas.
Remedy: Where necessary replace tank sender/filler neck.
Number of vehicles: 112.
Model: Ford Transit 1986 LCY.
Build dates: Feb '86-May 27 '87. Defects: Steering column coupling clamp plate screw may not maintain sufficient clamping force to prevent movement between the joint components. This could result in loss of steering control. Remedy: Renew coupling clamp screw, secure using thread locking compound, amd check/adjust steering-column alignment.
Number of vehicles: 28,213.
Heavy goods vehicles
Model: Dennis Eagle 811 2M (narrow chassis suspension).
Build dates: March-Aug '87.
Defects: Rear rubber suspension balance beam may fracture, resulting in axle dislocation.
Remedy: Recall vehicles to replace Tadchurch suspension with Dennis Eagle design leaf-spring suspension.
Numbers of vehicles: 57 • The safety recall bulletin also lists other heavy goods vehicles subject to recall campaigns before July last year, but ommitted from the DTp's last bulletin.
Model: All ERF tractive units.
Build dates: Jan '74-June '86.
Defects: Possible fracture, and subsequent complete failure of the LA parking brake valve operating handle, resulting in uncontrolled application of parking brake while vehicle is being driven.
Remedy: All vehicles over three years' old to have hand-control valves replaced with valves fitted with a modifier and stronger operating handle. All remanufactured valves (painted red) up to Nov '86 to be replaced. All valves up to three years' old to be checked, and if defective, replaced with modified handcontrol valve.
Number of vehicles: 10,284. Model: All Scalia models.
Build dates: Oct-Dec '86.
Defects: Suspect fault in brake pedal short lever to pedal pivot tube weld. Failure can result in excessive brake pedal travel.
Remedy: Inspect and, if neccessary, fit quality-assured replacement brake pedal assembly.
Number of vehicles: 650.
• Full details on the recall procedure and the models involved are in the Vehicle Safety Recalls Bulletin Number 26, issued by the DTp Vehicle Inspectorate 5, Room 1/01, Berkeley House, Croyden Street, Bristol BS5 ODA (tel: 0272 218400).